There was little worse in the staffroom than having a reputation for being unable to control a class and it didn’t go down well with the head. A lesson had to be given that noise or disruption would not be tolerated and, in general, classes did not repeat the uproar the next time that teacher left the room, although with some classes a lookout was posted at the door to listen out for approaching footsteps.
An efficient teacher could strap a row of 6 pupils in 10 seconda as long as they cooperated in having their hands held out quickly ready to take the belt.